Authors: Zeng, Fan; Ayalew, Beshah; Omar, Mohammed

Source: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 36, Number 4, 2009 , pp. 389-395(7)

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Abstract:

<B>Purpose</B> - The purpose of this paper is to present a new closed-loop radiative robotic paint curing process that could replace less efficient and bulky convection-based paint curing processes in automotive manufacturing. <B>Design/methodology/approach</B> - The proposed robotic paint curing processes uses an Ultraviolet LED panel for a heat source, an infra-red camera for non-contact thermal signature feedback of cure level, and a robot control strategy that incorporates the cure-level information in an inverse dynamics control of the robotic manipulator. To demonstrate the advantage of the closed-loop process in improving cure uniformity, detailed models and discussions of the irradiation process, the robotics and the control strategy are presented. <B>Findings</B> - A simulation-based comparison of the closed-loop robotic curing with the open-loop robotic curing clearly shows the benefits of using thermal signature feedback in improving cure level uniformity. <B>Originality/value</B> - This is a new approach proposed to exploit immerging technology and improve the efficiency of energy use in an automotive manufacturing process without sacrificing product quality.

Keywords: Control technology; Infra-red devices; Paints; Robotics; Sensors

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01439910910957165

Publication date: 2009-06-19

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